Hey Heidi: Where did 'The Hill' get its name?

ST. LOUIS – This week's question for Heidi Glaus sent her to one of the most delicious neighborhoods in the area: The Hill.

Donna Singler's 5-year-old granddaughter asked how The Hill got its name, and she didn't know how to answer, so she sent Heidi an email.

The Hill is a neighborhood full of flavor, known for its pizza and pasta, but thanks to Joe DeGregorio, you can also get your fill of Hill history.

"They've been making raviolis here since the 1940s. Prior to that, they made it upstairs in grandma's apartment," said DeGregorio.

Mama Toscanos is one of many stops on his tour. You'll also learn a thing or two about Anthonino's, a newer place that's been featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."

DeGregorio knows all the hot spots, holy spots, and holds the key to a club that is invite-only. It's a place where former President Bill Clinton was once a special guest.

"According to a guy from California who's been all over the country with bocce clubs, he said this is the best bocce club in America," said DeGregorio.

But ask just about anyone on The Hill, why it's called that, and you'll hear the same answer.

"It's the highest point in St. Louis," said DeGregorio.

But it hasn't always been known that way.

"In the 1800s it was called Sheltonham which encompassed the area known as Dogtown as well," said DeGregorio. "Then it became known as Fairmont Heights back in the early 1900s all the way through to the 1950s."

It's been called The Hill since the '60s.

We call it here in this neighborhood LaMontagia Picolo, which translates loosely means "the little mountain."

It's a place where you never know who you'll run into or what you'll see or hear. But what you can expect is an unforgettable experience every time you visit.

Next week's question is from Debbie Smith. She wants to know how old the oldest tree in Forest Park is and where it's located. Heidi hopes to have that answer next Thursday.